Yes, Meta shelved its plans for a standalone smartwatch with cameras, according to multiple credible reports from 2022. The project, internally codenamed “Milan,” was canceled after years of development, reportedly due to technical challenges and concerns about differentiation in a crowded market. This article explains what was reported, why the project stalled, and what it means for Meta’s hardware ambitions.
What the Reports Said
In June 2022, The Verge reported that Meta had halted development of its smartwatch, which was designed to feature a detachable camera module. The watch was intended to work with Meta’s other hardware, including the Quest VR headsets and Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses. Later reports from Bloomberg and Business Insider corroborated the cancellation, noting that the project had been in development for at least two years and was originally slated for a 2023 release.
Why the Watch Was Canceled
Several factors reportedly contributed to the decision:
- Technical hurdles: The detachable camera module posed engineering challenges, including battery life and heat dissipation.
- Market saturation: With Apple Watch dominating the market, Meta struggled to find a compelling reason for consumers to choose its device.
- Strategic pivot: Meta shifted focus toward augmented reality (AR) glasses, which the company sees as the next major computing platform.
The cancellation was part of a broader restructuring, including layoffs and a slowdown in hardware spending, as Meta faced economic pressures and a declining ad market.
Meta’s Hardware Journey
Meta (formerly Facebook) has a mixed history with hardware. The company acquired Oculus in 2014 for $2 billion, which became the foundation of its Quest VR headsets. In 2021, Meta partnered with EssilorLuxottica to launch Ray-Ban Stories, smart glasses with cameras but no display. The shelved smartwatch was intended to complement these devices, but the company has since doubled down on AR glasses, with a prototype called “Orion” reportedly in development.
What Might Have Been
According to reports, the Meta smartwatch would have included:
- A front-facing camera for video calls
- A rear camera that could be detached and used separately
- Integration with Meta’s apps, including WhatsApp and Instagram
- Health and fitness tracking features similar to other smartwatches
However, these features were never finalized, and the device never reached a prototype stage that satisfied Meta’s leadership.
Competitor Landscape
The smartwatch market is dominated by Apple, which holds over 30% of global market share. Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit (owned by Google) are also major players. For Meta, entering this market would have required significant investment in supply chains, retail distribution, and customer support—areas where the company lacks experience compared to its rivals.
What’s Next for Meta Wearables
Meta has not abandoned wearables. The company continues to develop AR glasses, which are expected to be more advanced than current smart glasses. In 2023, Meta announced a partnership with LG to produce displays for future AR devices. The company also released the Quest 3 VR headset in 2023, showing its commitment to immersive hardware.
While the smartwatch is shelved, Meta’s long-term vision remains focused on the “metaverse,” and it sees AR glasses as the natural bridge between the physical and digital worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Meta officially confirm the smartwatch cancellation?
Meta never issued a public statement confirming or denying the reports. The cancellation was reported by multiple reputable outlets, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter, but the company has not commented.
Will Meta ever release a smartwatch in the future?
It’s possible, but not likely in the near term. Meta has shifted its focus to AR glasses, which it believes will replace smartphones. The company may revisit the smartwatch concept if it can find a unique angle, but no credible reports suggest that is happening.
What was the codename for the Meta smartwatch?
The project was reportedly codenamed “Milan.” This was first reported by The Verge in June 2022.
Did the smartwatch have any unique features?
The most distinctive feature was a detachable camera module, which would have allowed users to take photos and videos without lifting the watch. It also would have integrated with Meta’s social apps, but these features were never finalized.
How does this affect Meta’s metaverse plans?
The cancellation is a minor setback, but Meta’s metaverse strategy relies more on VR and AR headsets than on watches. The company is still investing heavily in those areas, so the shelved watch does not fundamentally change its direction.
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